David H. Olson, Ph.D. is Professor Emeritus, Family Social Science, University of Minnesota,
St. Paul, MN; Founder and CEO of Life Innovations.

His professional goal has been to
develop high quality products for couples and families. He developed the "Triple Threat" approach
which involves integrating research, theory, and practice (programs, counseling, education).

Dr. Olson is past president of the National Council on Family Relations
(NCFR). He is a Fellow in the American Association of Marital and Family
Therapy (AAMFT), American Psychological Association (APA) and NCFR. Dr.
Olson has received numerous awards from national professional
organizations (AAMFT, APA, AFTA, ACA, ACME, Smart Marriages) and
Universities (Penn. State, St. Olaf, Univ. of Minnesota) for his high quality
research and creative products. He has written over 20 books and over 100
professional articles on marriage and family. He has appeared on numerous
national television shows including ABC Good Morning America, NBC Today Show,
CBS Morning Show, and Oprah.

Education:

St. Olaf College

B.A.

Major: Psychology

Penn. State University

Ph.D.

Major: Family Studies & Psychology

Univ. of Minnesota

Post-doctorate

Marital & family therapy

Awards as Fellow:

Fellow, American Psychological Association (APA)

Fellow, American Association for Marital and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Fellow, National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)

Clinical Certifications:

Licensed Marital and Family Therapist, State of Minnesota

Licensed Consulting Psychologist Marital and Family Therapist, State of Minnesota

Elected Positions:

President, National Council on Family Relations (NCFR)

President, Upper Midwest Association for Marital and Family Therapy (UMAMFT)

National Awards:

MACE Medal (ACME)

Cumulative Contributions to Family Therapy Research (AAMFT)

Distinguished Contributions to Family Therapy Research (AFTA)

Distinguished Researcher from the American Counseling Association (ACA)

Distinguished Service Award (MAMFT)

Distinguished Alumni Award from Penn State University and St Olaf College

Legacy Award from the University of Minnesota

Excellence in Research from the University of Minnesota

Smart Marriages Impact Award

Publications:

The Couple and Family Map (aka Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems)
which he developed has become one of the most popular family system models.
Over 1,200 studies have been published on the Model using the couple and family
assessment tools he has developed (FACES).

He has written over 20 books and more than 100 articles in the field of marriage and family.
His most recent books include: